A makeover for the softball fields in Toro Park is in the works and some neighbors are not happy about it.The project would increase number of softball fields to three instead of the current two. Neighbors and parents shared their opinions on the change Thursday night at a community meeting in Toro Park's fire station on Portola Drive.The debate hinges on keeping the park natural and open space, or allowing for more youth sports facilities."I like the park the way it is,” said neighbor Jonathan Geller. “I live here and I see it utilized the way it’s meant to be. It's a place for people to get outdoors and experience nature in a quiet setting." Parents said the park is the ideal place for growth."We don't have space,” said Joey Antonetti, vice president of Toro youth baseball and football leagues. “We're running out of space, you have kids practicing on ground, on the concrete, we don't have grass space for these kids."Planners say the renovation would help parking in areas that sometimes become congested. In turn, it would bring revenue to the county because attendees would have to buy a parking pass, instead of being able to park outside and walk in, as they do now.Neighbors consider parking a huge concern. There are also concerns that the new plans could leave cross country races, and events like the Scottish games and Boy and Girl Scouts camps, homeless.Funding for the project would come from $250,000 of private donations.

SALINAS, Calif. —

A makeover for the softball fields in Toro Park is in the works and some neighbors are not happy about it.

The project would increase number of softball fields to three instead of the current two. Neighbors and parents shared their opinions on the change Thursday night at a community meeting in Toro Park's fire station on Portola Drive.

Advertisement

The debate hinges on keeping the park natural and open space, or allowing for more youth sports facilities.

"I like the park the way it is,” said neighbor Jonathan Geller. “I live here and I see it utilized the way it’s meant to be. It's a place for people to get outdoors and experience nature in a quiet setting."

Parents said the park is the ideal place for growth.

"We don't have space,” said Joey Antonetti, vice president of Toro youth baseball and football leagues. “We're running out of space, you have kids practicing on ground, on the concrete, we don't have grass space for these kids."

Planners say the renovation would help parking in areas that sometimes become congested. In turn, it would bring revenue to the county because attendees would have to buy a parking pass, instead of being able to park outside and walk in, as they do now.

Neighbors consider parking a huge concern. There are also concerns that the new plans could leave cross country races, and events like the Scottish games and Boy and Girl Scouts camps, homeless.

Funding for the project would come from $250,000 of private donations.